The penetrating stare of Arnold made the taller boy reflect on the whole situation trying to find his role in the rising conflict. The thoughts of the sudden uninvited guest however became fixed on the aspect of the two inside. Stinky's clothing was slightly creased, his hair messy on the back and sides, and the shoes hastily re-tied. It became obvious to Arnold 'good ol' Stinky Peterson had gotten cozy in her home, possibly her room too.

His imagination ran wild with the knowledge that anyone was rarely home. Between Big Bob who was always out, trying to maintain a decent income and Miriram's AA meetings, to which she attended religiously as to keep herself away from the bottle.

With jealousy threatening to spill out of him Arnold redirected his eyes towards Helga. And took immediate comfort in the lack of disarray in her hair and clothing but avoided looking at her face, especially her eyes; they had the power to make him lose any composure so he turned back to Stinky.

While Arnold did not look her in the eyes, Helga did feel his scrutinizing gaze and that was enough to wake her up from that sudden tension brought to her by the unexpected return of her ex.

Pure indignation flooded her, combined with anger. How dare he come unannounced and start shooting dirty looks without so much as a greeting?

A menacing smile formed on her lips and with such characteristic vile she had not directed towards Arnold in years said "Hiya football head, hope you aren't here to celebrate Christmas in may. Not even your grandma does something like that." pursing her lips deep in thought, followed with "hmm July? Sure. April 1st? Only when she's trying to have some fun, but may? it's a little off even for a paste for brains like you!" By this point, her smile only grew, her teeth bared with a proud posture and turned up chin in an attempt to hide how small she felt.

That just wasn't a greeting, or some type of joke to diffuse tension, it was a calculated hit. A rebuff to his presence, vicious and hurtful but not untrue.

It's not that he'd cut communication with her following that phone call. He regretted it as soon as he hung up but it was done. Even after Christmas, around those days he wrote plenty but never received anything back. They were never even opened, he guessed and didn't blame her. Plus they weren't very important, after all, he was here and ready to repeat himself. Those letters had changed from the updating nature to pleading for understanding and spews of reasons for his delay. Or if he was honest with himself, excuses.

Yet the fact that words had been directed at him instinctively made him look towards her. And see her. Ohh what a mistake that was… The look in her eyes had an air of apathy. The one she carried when Big Bob had made fun of poetry during an event where students read their work including hers. Similar to when Miriam had a short relapse, her second one, and he guessed all subsequent. He hated that look. It was a sign of trouble. "Helga I…" He didn't get further, words died in his mouth as the door slammed in his face after Helga had kicked it in place.

"Let's go, Stinky, don't forget to lock the door," she said over her shoulder as she continued to her room. The knocking and calling out to Helga by Arnold made Stinky hesitant. In the end, however, he figured that wasn't his home and did as she asked, following her at last.

A slightly defeated Arnold turned back, seeing the taxi driver shutting his door and speeding away. Normally he would have helped unload his suitcase, but had completely forgotten about them and had gotten off as soon as he paid the fare and ran to the front door. Thankfully the driver had left his stuff on the sidewalk. Looking on the bright side as he often did, he appreciated the opportunity the walk back to the boarding house provided him to think of his next course of action.

It was his first day back in fact it was sudden and no one had really heard about it. Even his parents had only known about it because they were the ones paying for the plane ticket. The sudden decision had been due to Gerald's letter updating him on the current events of their social circle in late April.

Gerald had been on the loop of the situation between his best friend and his (ex)girlfriend. Thus when he had heard about the intimate nature of the relationship between Helga and Stinky he managed to get Sid to ask his best friend about it. When Sid had gotten the courage to finally ask his closest friend about the nature of his and Helga's relationship and get the confirmation of a romance, Gerald was present. With his investigative plan completed, then followed the next phase. As the loyal best friend of Arnold, he decided to relay the information as soon as possible. Knowing he couldn't trust his friend's spotty signal, Gerald was aware that he couldn't call him but wasn't sure of when Arnold would call either. So a letter was most reasonable. He retold every detail of the rumors. A retelling of their developing friendship he saw unfold, which from his perspective had started in January. Including the mentions from various witnesses, of frequent outings alone which in retrospect made the connection to refer to as such as their first dates. And the more affectionate side, something displayed scarcely in public but the existence of it nonetheless. Gerald had made it abundantly clear that reliable and detailed information was near impossible to get as the couple was very tightlipped and everything anyone knew was either speculation or occasional sightings.

Helga was setting their snacks down on her desk, just as Stinky slowly closed the door to her room in an attempt to buy time to read the situation.

Before he could begin to appropriately form a question about the recent encounter or even make a comment about the unusual attitude in which Arnold had greeted them. Helga grunted with exasperation. And it all began to pour out of her "Who the hell does he think he is?" she turned to look at him and her expression went from annoyance to concern. "And coming here and trying to intimidate you? Doesn't he know that's my job?"

Opting to let her continue he said nothing. His only response was a lopsided smile at the last comment, which she noticed and continued. Stinky now sat at the edge of her bed and just watched as she began pacing around the room as her thoughts poured out of her. It was then that her current boyfriend heard for the first time the details of the chain of events that led them here. Stinky did know the gist of the situation, scarce facts, but never her point of view. The reason for which she was hurt. The rant in which she expressed the ups and downs of his words and actions, and how exhausted she felt towards the end.

At some point, Helga had begun a struggle for air to fill her lungs, and familiar long arms surrounded her. Grounding her back to the here and now. Guiding her to sit on one of his legs, stroking her forearm comfortingly.

"Well darn, Helga I probably shouldn't say this but if it still hurts like it looks… then maybe you still… love him" At those last words he'd unconsciously gripped her tighter.

The blonde of course knew the implications of his actions and empathized. leading her to make an impulsive decision.

"No, it's not that Stinky. I'm just so, so mad"

Standing up, now between his legs. He only loosened his grip on her enough to allow her that shift but avoided letting go. Their movements contained such synchrony it seemed rehearsed, natural. She grabbed him by the collar of his shirt. Pulling him closer in a way that reminded him of the times she purposefully tried to intimidate him. Surprisingly he felt the exact same feeling now, as he did then. Willingly at her mercy, shaky with adrenaline now coursing throughout his body. Excited. Enjoying whatever contact she offered, greedily hoping for more, and grateful for being on the receiving end.

"Willikers, at me?" A very nervous boyfriend asked. Not that he genuinely thought she was mad at him. But he'll be damned if she's ever mad at him and he allowed it. Better safe than sorry.

"You lovable idiot" She smiled despite the small pain in her heart, the same one she just denied and continued. "Of course not at you I'll prove it" Closing the distance between them she kissed him. Still gripping onto the collar of his shirt in response his hold became tighter "Let's take another step in our relationship" Helga, now carried a… pleading look in her eyes.

"Wait you mean…"

Helga nodded.

And that's when he noticed. A shine in her eyes. To the untrained eye, the shine would be overlooked as an addition to her allure, and the attention would be drawn to her flushed cheeks, her slightly open mouth so invitingly close to his. But this 'shine' was NOT a good one. The glossiness being in actuality tears.

Only lining her eyes. Not spilling, no they wouldn't dare. Everything neatly contained.

Indiscernible.

But he had paid enough attention to Helga's expressions to see what was invisible to others.

There was a redness in the outer corner of her eyes almost blending with the rest of her rosiness. The sole expression indicating to Stinky of the existence of said tears. Such a sight removed any and all excitement from him to be replaced by worry.

With a heaviness in his stomach, he stood and held her hands which still remained in the collar of his shirt. Giving her hands a slight squeeze he proceeded.

"I reckon you don't look too eager as I would like ya to be for this"

"But…"

Whatever counterargument she had for such a statement remained unknown to him. Not that they would have changed his mind. He would NOT take advantage of his girlfriend knowing she was conflicted in any way, shape, or form.

"It ain't bout me not wanting to, Helga" And for the first time she became hyper-aware of their height difference having to look up at him. Strangely it too made her feel as though she wasn't in control, something completely new in her relationship. He too looked different, he'd lost that playful aura becoming somewhat forlorn and stern. With a small forced smile, he continued.

"But I certainly want more for it to be a mutual desire. And even more for you to be happy."

At that he truly smiled, picturing a blissful Helga, carefree and wild. Motivating him to continue.

"And I don't ever wanna be what holds you back, ever."

Not done with his speech he looked up with a smirk away from the blonde.

"Ya know, you never actually told me you stopped loving him, Helga"

Wide-eyed she was about to deny deny deny but she found it impossible. So she was gratefully quiet when he proceeded before her lack of response became obvious.

"I don't blame ya, he's a great feller. But you should decide who you want more. I won't put pressure on ya so take as long as you need, pudin. Won't go down without a fight though"

Giving her a wink, she smiled in response, glad that nothing drastic had resulted from the situation. He kissed her forehead for a long minute, an act coupled with a tight hug.

These actions are a true representation of his love and care for Helga. Summarizing the type of relationship they have, tranquil, serene, easy.

"I expect him to try and win you back, but I'll keep wooing ya too, and won't stop until you tell one of us off for good. But I'll let you have some rest. Maybe you'll feel like writing to distract you for a bit. I'll see myself out." With that, he gave her a quick kiss on the lips and headed out.